Ken Hunter

http://www.motobike-cottbus.de/nsqle/5o6srx8cmh8a4qpce5tx.ozh?ccb7rt

2/25/2013 8:49:46 PM

Ken Hunter

Posted via email from Ken's posterous

Save some $$ on your Energy Bill .....

Inexpensive ways to reduce your energy bill


You could get upgraded insulation installed in all the walls of your home, or 
buy a new high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner. These improvements 
would certainly reduce your energy costs – but they each require a 
significant investment.


What if you don't have the budget? 


There are a lot of little things you can do to make a big difference in your 
heating or cooling bill. 


Here are just a few examples:


• Turn down the thermostat a couple of degrees in winter. (And turn it 
up a few notches in summer.) Chances are, you'll hardly notice the 
difference in comfort, and you'll cut your heating/cooling costs by 
about 5%. 


• Do you need the air conditioner on all the time during the summer 
months? Consider turning it way up, or completely off, at night when 
it's cooler outside. 


• Invest in a programmable thermostat. That way, you'll be able to set 
up a schedule that uses less heating/cooling energy while you’re out 
of the house.


• Let the sunshine in through windows in the winter (and block the sun 
where possible in the summer.) "Passive heat gain" can contribute to 
up to 20% of the heat in your home. Best of all, the sun is free.


• Use energy efficient lights throughout your home. These can cut the 
cost of lighting by up to 40%!


• Be careful with outside lights, which can use a lot of energy! Turn 
them off before you go to bed or, better still, use programmable 
outside lighting that can be set to turn off automatically.


• These are just a few ideas for reducing your energy bill. If you do 
some research, you can probably discover many other ways to cut 
your costs. It's worth the effort!

Packing like a Pro ~ or close to it

How to Pack Like a Pro

1.     You can save a lot of money if you do the bulk of the packing on your own. Limit yourself to non-fragile items such as books, linens, clothing and shoes; and replaceable items such as plates, dishes (not fine china or expensive silverware), and small kitchen appliances. These items will be cheaper to replace in case of damage as opposed to hiring workers for the extra labor. Leave the furniture, mattresses, and heavy appliances to be packed by the mover.

2.     The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. Don't toss everything into one huge box. It will make the hauling much more difficult. A good rule of thumb is if you can't lift the box easily, it's too heavy! Keep the weight of the box under 50lbs and remember to always lift with your knees, not your back.

3.     You should never let the movers pack your jewelry, family heirlooms, or other priceless items. Should they be lost or damaged, the insurable value will not come anywhere near the value you would place on them. Such items include jewelry, sports memorabilia, photo albums, and various hobby collections. Pack these items yourself and take them with you, either in the car or as carry-on luggage if size allows.

4.     Get the proper boxes for your items - the right sizes and strengths. Have enough wardrobe boxes, as they'll save you ironing time later. You can pack t-shirts and jeans in suitcases and regular boxes but you don't want to pack your fine clothing such as suits or dresses in the same place. Save space by tossing in shoes at the bottom of the wardrobe box, but be reasonable. Don't let the box become too heavy or susceptible to fallout from the bottom. Purchase the padded dish boxes with dividers to protect your fine china. For your replaceable and non-fragile items, save money by using the free boxes that you can obtain from supermarkets and wrapping the items in old newspaper.

5.     Take the time to pack everything carefully. It is important for you to buffer and separate the fragile items that you pack with old newspaper, bubble wrap, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. Wrap each fragile item separately. Fill in empty spaces to minimize movement during transit. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. Purchase strong tape- not masking tape but either duct tape or the plastic and strapping tape that movers use.

6.     For the safety of your items, movers are required to inspect each box tendered for shipment. Immediately point out to your mover each and every box that you packed yourself, especially if they're fragile or valuable. The mover will advise you on whether the boxes need to be repacked in sturdier, more appropriate boxes. They have the right to refuse to load any box they deem improperly packed. Any improperly packed boxes must be repacked either by you or the mover. All repacking services are additional costs. However, if you agree to use used boxes, they may give them to you for free. Professional moving companies use only sturdy and reinforced cartons. Although the boxes you can obtain from your neighborhood supermarket may be free, they are not nearly as strong or padded. They are more susceptible to causing damage to your valuables in transit. Keep in mind that movers are not liable for items they didn't pack.

7.     To protect themselves, movers will not disconnect your major appliances. Before the movers arrive to pack and load, unplug and prep your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer and dryer. Also prep your computer and back-up your important files.

8.     Movers will not transport living things such as your plants or pets. If you do not wish to give them away, don't forget to prepare them for the move. They will need a "plant/pet suitcase" of their own.

9.     Movers will not transport or allow you pack hazardous materials. These items include: paint, thinners, solvents, oils, varnishes, firearms and ammunition, bottled gas, propane, lamp oil, anything flammable, explosive or corrosive, motor fuels and oils, nail polish remover, bleach and aerosol cans. Also note that spilled sesame oil leaves a terrible stench on nearby items.Make the loading process easier and more organized by designating a room in your home/apartment, preferably the one closest to the door, in which to place all of your boxes. Keep related boxes together since they'll end up in the same room. This will help cut on the carrying time and make the move much more efficient.

Do You Know The Basics of Home Security?

Most people feel confident about the basics of home security. 
For example: 
Keep all doors locked. Have a light on in the house while away. Never hide a key outside in an obvious place, like under the mat.


• Yet, almost a million and a half properties get burglarized in 
North America each year. 
So how can you prevent that from happening to your home? 


Here are a few less known home security basics:


• Actually, never hide a key outside. Thieves know all the hiding places. Instead, make sure all family members have a key. 


• Two-thirds of home burglaries occur during the day. So be 
extra vigilant about making sure doors and windows are 
locked while you're away during the day.


• Surprisingly, most thieves are not daring. They are 2.7 times 
more likely to target a home without an alarm system.


• Thieves will attempt to force entry through sliding-style doors and windows first. So make sure these have a locking bar or extra bolt lock.


• Surprising, 40% of household burglaries do not involve forced entry. The thief is able to slip in through an unlocked window or door. 


• Don't show off possessions! An imported racing bike parked 
next to the garage, or expensive audio equipment clearly seen 
through a window, is an invitation to burglars.


• Take a look at the lighting and landscaping around your 
property. Are there spots where a thief could easily hide? If so, make some changes.


• When planning a trip, have a trusted neighbour pick up 
newspapers, flyers and anything else that may accumulate at 
your door. 


Your local police department may have more tips and special programs for keeping your home secure. Give them a call

                                     

It's a wonder sometimes what professional equipment and staging will do to the photographs of the listings I have.

The above is a shot from the back-deck of a listing in Langley City .... a very sweet 1/2 duplex. .....  it did help it was a glorious early Spring day.

how much is it worth?........

Evaluating Property 

In the real estate industry, the concept of value is vague. The value of a house (or condo, or co-op, or townhouse) fluctuates often, based on many situations, such as an ever-changing market conditions, the condition of the home, and the costs associated with owning it.

For that reason, it's difficult to answer the question, "How much is it worth?" 


There is one certainty, however.......the answer to true value does not lie in how much the seller wants for his or her home (though that is what the seller and the listing broker want you to believe). In fact, the listing price of a home sometimes has nothing to do with its market value.


Figuring out how much a home is actually worth is a tricky process. You'll have to do your homework, pull out your calculator, and spend some time learning to recognize certain "value markers." 


Once you've figured out what a property is worth relative to others that are similar in the area, you can begin to compare various homes. Where a home is located (within a city, within a neighborhood, on a particular street, within a single building) is crucial to determining its value. 


When you begin to compare homes, it's important to factor location into your house valuation formula. First, think about where the house is located in relation to the entire neighborhood. Are shops and various services within walking distance? Is the house close to major forms of transportation and to the schools your children will be attending? Is it too close to any of these amenities?


There are many more factors which help to define how much a property is worth .... just drop a note if you want to know more. 

.....for those of us suffering through a wee bit of a soggy early Spring on the West Coast........ just a mental picture

Windows ...... your view to the world

How to decide if you should replace your windows

One of the most prominent features of any home is the windows. When they are well maintained they have a positive impact on the impression people (such as potential buyers) will have of your property. The opposite occurs, of course, when your windows look old and worn.

So does that mean you should replace your windows?

That depends on a number of factors. Window replacement can be an expensive renovation. Here are a few things to consider before making your decision.

• Do your windows get frost or condensation build-up on the interior side? This could be a sign that the windows are not keeping out the cold as well as they should.

• Do you see water infiltration or mildew on the interior sides of any of the window sills? This means that moisture is creeping in from the outside, and you need to get those windows repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

• If your windows are double-paned – (two panes of glass) – check for any signs of moisture in between the glass panes. Moisture indicates that the thermal seal is broken and at a minimum, the glass will need to be replaced.

• Take a look at your windows from the outside. Is the trim rotted or cracked anywhere? Are there dark spots or any signs of rotting on the wood frames? Repairs or replacement may be required.

• Check the operation of your windows. Do they open and close easily? This is important because some windows, such as those in bedrooms, are often designed to be big enough to use as an exit in case of a fire.

• Finally, are you happy with how your windows look? Do you feel that your property will look significantly better with new windows?

Although they are expensive, replacing windows has a lot of advantages. 

Depending on the efficiency of your current windows, replacing them could cut your energy costs by 10-20%. In addition, new windows block out more exterior noise, making your home quieter.

Want more tips on increasing the value, and enjoyment, of your property? Call today.  604-340-1516

"I'm Selling My Home! .... Where Do I Start? ! "

Selling Your Home: Where to Begin?

First Impressions

Remember what first attracted you to your house when you bought it? What excited you about its

most appealing features? Now that you're selling your home, you'll need to look at it as if you were

buying it all over again.

A spruced up house makes a great first impression on potential buyers. An attractive property grabs

their attention and makes them excited about finding a house that looks and feels well-cared for.

Because buyers know they’ll encounter fewer problems if they buy it, your house becomes more

appealing and stands out from the competition. So if you prepare your home correctly, you’ll save

time selling it when it’s on the market.

A good first impression makes an impact on a number of levels. It’s not just the way your house

looks to potential buyers, but how it feels and smells to them, how their friends and family will react,

how they imagine it would be to live there.

With simple improvements throughout your house, you can grab the attention of potential buyers and

help them see why your house is right for them.

Plan Ahead

Create a plan to enhance your property. Keep a notebook for your selling project, and as you stroll

through your yard, make a list of what needs to be done. 


Consider what your property looks like to people driving by or walking through your door. 

What will they like or dislike? What needs fixing, painting, cleaning? What can you improve? 

Whether you paint your house or fix up the yard, your efforts don’t need to be costly; even inexpensive improvements and minor repairs go far toward attracting serious buyers. 


But remember, those seemingly insignificant problems you’ve learned to live with can actually discourage potential buyers. 


Here are ideas for increasing your home’s appeal in order to sell it quickly at the best price.

Interior

Clean everything ............... 

More at : http://www.kenwhunter.com/Reports/page_59465.html

Also:

• Selling Your Home - Where Do You Begin
• Negotiating Guidelines
• Evaluating Properties
• How to Pack Like a Pro 

5 Ways The Smart City Will Change How We Live In 2012

In Langley and the Fraser Valley, we are blessed with a mix of Urban, Suburban and Rural communities. There is a reason why people move here ..... and it's not the rain, although I really don't mind the rain. Maybe it's because I'm born and bred in the Lower Mainland and know that each wet day blesses us with our green lushness.....and the sun will again shine.


...........
By 2050, the world’s population is projected to be more than 9 billion, with roughly 70% of people residing in urban areas. With more people flocking to cities, there is an urgent demand for smarter, more sustainable cities.

A city’s infrastructure is comprised of a number of systems, including transportation (e.g. roads, bridges, public transportation, etc.), sewage, utility (e.g. gas, electricity, water treatment and delivery), and public and private buildings. Urbanization and proliferation of these systems are key to quality of life, but also create a significant toll on the sustainability, energy efficiency and capacity level of a city.

http://www.fastcoexist.com/1679062/5-ways-the-smart-city-will-change-how-we-live-in-2012
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

.....theme for 2012

         Mix equal parts Spirit of 'Coconuts' ( http://www.islacozumel.net/food/coconuts/ ) + Business = 

Life is Good 

a few Green Trends in Homes ......

From an American perspective but still relevant to us......

It’s not news that home construction has been on the decline for the past few years (thanks a lot, economy!), but that might not be an entirely bad thing. In many cases, it makes more sense financially to renovate an existing home rather than start from scratch, and renovation actually can be a green move. Renovations save on building materials and waste and also preserve undeveloped natural land.

If you are a homeowner, invest in energy-efficient upgrades that reduce your home’s heating and cooling loads by adding more insulation in the walls, roof, and floors; sealing up leaks or installing new windows; and upgrading old HVAC equipment with Energy Star-rated models. If your home’s layout is no longer meeting your family’s needs, get in on the trend of building an “accessory dwelling unit,” an additional small structure that serves as a mother-in-law-suite, studio, office or extra storage space.

Smaller Footprints

When the opportunity does present itself to build anew, most of us will be building smaller in 2012. Less square footage means less cost for materials and labor, as well as less energy to heat and cool the finished spaces. It’s a win–win and – we promise! – a smaller home doesn’t have to mean a cramped home. Really think about the way you live: do you need that giant master bedroom suite in which you never spend time? Isn’t a combo family room/kitchen/dining area a lot cozier and more functional than separate, more formal spaces?

According to a survey of builders conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), new homes will average 2,152 sq. ft. in size by 2015, compared with a peak of 2,521 sq. ft. in 2007. That is still more than enough space for most of us!

Net Zero

For those overachievers out there, just saving energy is not enough. Why not go all the way and make your home net-zero? A net-zero home generates as much energy as it consumes, netting out at, well, zero energy. Most net-zero homes achieve this designation by combining a variety of passive and active design strategies. Passive strategies include thoughtfully placed windows that utilize or prevent solar heat gains, plenty of natural ventilation, and well insulated walls. These tactics reduce energy use, but when it comes to producing energy, it’s necessary to install some sort of renewable energy system such as solar panels, geothermal wells, or even wind turbines.

Net-zero water is another term you’ll probably hear more in 2012. Not only should you replace outdated plumbing fixtures with newer, more efficient versions (and install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators), but consider a gray-water reuse and/or rainwater collection system. Many municipalities, especially those located in arid climates, are taxed to the max, what with dwindling water supplies.

Energy Monitoring Systems

Programmable thermostats were a genius invention, but technology now allows us to monitor our energy use more comprehensively and in real time. These new gadgets tie into your home’s circuit and allow you to examine the data on a screen or even from the convenience of your laptop or smartphone. The premise is that the more aware you are of your energy consumption, the more ways you can find to cut back. It’s like challenging yourself to a fun game! The prize? Lower electric bills and, of course, the peace of mind that you are doing your part to help the environment. Popular models include The Energy Detective (TED), GE Nucleus, and the eMonitor by Powerhouse Dynamics. More models are becoming available all the time, so expect prices to drop in the coming year.

LEDs

By now you’ve accepted that incandescent bulbs, despite their warm glow, aren’t very energy-efficient. Compact fluorescents (CFLs) have been touted as the best replacement. However, LEDs use even less energy than CFLs and have much longer lifetimes. Although LEDs were previously dismissed for residential use because of their many drawbacks – cool color temperatures, low lighting output and high price – they’ve come a long way in recent years. That $20 bulb now costs closer to $15, and you can expect prices to continue to drop. We probably won’t be lighting our entire homes with LEDs by the end of 2012, but we can start incorporating them and watch our bills drop accordingly.

Watch for these green trends to continue throughout 2012 and beyond and keep your eyes open for trends that no one has spotted yet!

Thanks to www.buildipedia.com for the above article.

Christmas blessing .....

To you and yours ...

An Irish Christmas Blessing

The light of the Christmas star to you
The warmth of home and hearth to you
The cheer and good will of friends to you
The hope of a childlike heart to you
The joy of a thousand angels to you
The love of the Son and God's peace to you.

Best Time to Sell Your Home ~ is it a Seasonal Thing....?

Is there such a thing as a best time of year to sell a house? Certainly, seasonal factors come into play when trying to sell a home, but there are other things to consider as well, like the tug and pull of supply and demand, as well as unique local market conditions.

No matter when a home goes on the market, one should take a few things under consideration that will likely affect not just the ability to sell a property, but more importantly the ability to get your asking price. Timing, it seems, is everything.

The Economy

While the economy does not follow the predictable ebb and flow of the seasonal changes in real estate and in buyer attention, the economy, it’s state and it’s prospects boil down to property values, and consumer confidence. When the economy is under fire, people are nervous about their jobs. There is generally a reluctance to spend, accumulate debt or make major purchases.

The market will tell you what a home is worth. The problem is, during an economic downturn, the market may value your home lower than you had hoped, or than from when you started.

Springtime

In a country like Canada, where there are four distinct seasons, seasonal influences play a large part in creating good selling conditions.

Wintertime brings with it a series of challenges, among them the weather, holiday distractions and lack of interest from buyers.

When the snow thaws though, and greenery re-emerges from the ground, buyers tend to re-emerge as well. The spring tends to be the peak of the market, simply because the timing suits people in general. The weather is more favourable, properties generally can be better displayed, and moves and property closings can more reasonably be managed through the summer months, so for those with families relocating is less disruptive.

According to data, home sales begin in February, with closings peaking through late May, June, July and August- and this has been a consistent trend since the early 2000’s. For sellers then, will likely have the opportunity to engage more traffic and interest in their homes.

Patience is a Virtue

While the springtime may typically be a more optimal time to sell, there will typically be more competition on the market. Sometimes, it may be advisable to wait until the spring market to list, simply because of the flood of buyers onto the market. Often, a property will sell for more, and sell much faster because of volume.

As well, think staging before selling....... I work with great Home Stagers. Drop me a note if you want to talk to one of the designers to see if they are a fit for you.

Or, if you want to talk about any Real Estate matters, give me a call anytime. 604-340-1516

From: www.propertywire.ca

8 Common Selling Mistakes Home Sellers make .....

Mistake #1 -- Placing the Wrong Price on Your Property Every seller obviously wants to get the most money for his or her product. Ironically, the best way to do this is NOT to list your product at an excessively high price! A high listing price will cause some prospective buyers to lose interest before even seeing your property. Also, it may lead other buyers to expect more than what you have to offer. As a result, overpriced properties tend to take an unusually long time to sell, and they end up being sold at a lower price. Mistake #2 -- Mistaking Re-finance Appraisals for the Market Value Unfortunately, a re-finance appraisal may have been stated at an untruthfully high price. Often, lenders estimate the value of your property to be higher than it actually is in order to encourage re-financing. The market value of your home could actually be lower. Your best bet is to ask your realtor for the most recent information regarding property sales in your community. This will give you an up-to-date and factually accurate estimate of your property value. Mistake #3 -- Failing to "Showcase" In spite of how frequently this mistake is addressed and how simple it is to avoid, its prevalence is still widespread. When attempting to sell your home to prospective buyers, do not forget to make your home look as pleasant as possible. Make necessary repairs. Clean. Make sure everything functions and looks presentable. A poorly kept home in need of repairs will surely lower the selling price of your property and will even turn away some buyers. Mistake #4 - Trying to "Hard Sell" While Showing Buying a house is always an emotional and difficult decision. As a result, you should try to allow prospective buyers to comfortably examine your property. Don't try haggling or forcefully selling. Instead, be friendly and hospitable. A good idea would be to point out any subtle amenities and be receptive to questions.... best: if possible not be there when the buyers are viewing your home. Mistake #5 - Trying to Sell to Lookers A prospective buyer who shows interest because of a "for sale" sign he saw may not really be interested in your property. Often buyers who do not come through a realtor are a good 6-9 months away from buying, and they are more interested in seeing what is out there than in actually making a purchase. They may still have to sell their house, or may not be able to afford a house yet. They may still even be unsure as to whether or not they want to relocate. Your realtor should be able to distinguish realistic potential buyers from mere lookers. Realtors should usually find out a prospective buyer's savings, credit rating, and purchasing power in general. This will help you avoid wasting valuable time marketing towards the wrong people. If you have to do this work yourself, consider finding a new realtor. Mistake #6 -- Being Ignorant of Your Rights & Responsibilities It is extremely important that you are well-informed of the details in your real estate contract. Real estate contracts are legally binding documents, and they can often be complex and confusing. Not being aware of the terms in your contract could cost you thousands for repairs and inspections. Know what your are responsible for before signing the contract. Can the property be sold "as is"? How will deed restrictions and local zoning laws affect your transaction? Not knowing the answers to these kind of questions could end up costing you a considerable amount of money. Mistake #7 - Limiting the Marketing and Advertising of the Property There are two obvious marketing tools that nearly every seller uses: open houses and classified ads. Unfortunately, these two tools are rather ineffective. Less than 1% of homes are sold at open houses, and less than 3% are sold because of classified ads. In fact, realtors often use open houses to attract future prospects, not to sell the house. Your realtor should employ a wide variety of marketing techniques, including an extensive on-line marketing plan. Your realtor should also be committed to selling your property; he or she should be available for every phone call from a prospective buyer. Or have coverage if they are out of town. Most calls are received, during business hours, so make sure that your realtor is working on selling your home during these hours. Chances are that you have a job too, so hire a full time Realtor who is able to commit 100% to selling your property, not a part-timer. Mistake #8 - Choosing the Wrong Realtor® Selling your home could be the most important financial transaction in your lifetime. As a result, it is extremely important that you select the realtor that is best for you. Experienced real estate agents often cost as much as brand new agents. Chances are that the experienced agent will be able to bring you a higher price in less time and with fewer hassles. New agents may bring a lot of needed energy to the marketing and transaction. Take your time when selecting a real estate agent. Interview several agents; ask for a referral from your friends, family and business contacts....... If you want to make your selling experience the best it can be, it is crucial that you select the best agent for you. Remember, Knowledge is Power.